Walnut "Risotto" with Fall Mushrooms and Carrot Puree

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 pound black walnuts or English walnuts

1/4 cup sweet vermouth

4 cups chicken or mushroom stock

1 pound meaty mushrooms (such as Chantrelle and Porcini)

2 cups carrots, peeled and diced

1 teaspoon turmeric

2 cups water

salt

Directions

Bring 2 cups water, diced carrot, turmeric and a pinch of salt to a boil. Cook carrot until just tender. Puree mixture and set aside.

In the bottom of a pressure cooker, cook onions in olive oil and a pinch of salt until lightly browned.
Add Black Walnuts. Cook until lightly toasted. Add sweet vermouth. Continue cooking until pan is nearly dry. Add chicken/mushroom stock. Cook under pressure for 25-30 minutes.

Release pressure. Strain contents, reserving liquid.. Place 1/3 of walnut mixture in a blender; puree walnuts adding small amounts of reserved pressure liquid. Puree until smooth. Set aside.

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wash and pat dry mushrooms. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil in pre heated pan. Add mushrooms. (Do not over load pan) Saute until caramelized or are fully cooked and browned. Deglaze with 1/4 cup of pressure liquid until almost dry. Season to taste. Reheat pureed walnut mix adding whole walnuts. Reheat carrot puree.

Plating

In the center of a very large plate, spoon on carrot puree. Top with walnut "risotto", place mushrooms down on center of plate. Garnish with drizzled olive oil and fresh clipped herbs.

Serve and enjoy.